HUBERT, N.C. (WITN) – Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary is calling on the community to help decorate a much-needed fence.

The community of Onslow County is invited to gather their paint and brushes. The panels are filled with colors, and different people and organizations have come together to make one their own.

One World Montessori brought a group of students to learn more about how to take care of the wildlife in the area.

“We are huge on animal advocacy,” said Juliana Freckleton, a teacher. “We wanted to go find a place where we can help with the animals. When we got the opportunity to help with the fencing, it was awesome.”

The sanctuary needs to comply with USDA regulations, which require the separation of wounded and healthy animals.

“We have to separate our patients from our ambassadors,” said Lesley Ruble, a core volunteer at the sanctuary. “They need to maintain privacy from tours and field trips.”

There are currently 270 patient animals and 80 animals for the public to see and interact with. Ruble says if it weren’t for the support of the community, none of this would be possible.

“To have our community help us to make this this place beautiful is everything. It means the world. We couldn’t do this without them,” said Rubie.

Freckleton says her students learned about the animals in the classroom and took a field trip to the sanctuary. She says it was nice to see the students care and ask questions, especially regarding the importance of the sanctuary’s work.

There are 20 painted panels so far, but 210 are needed. You can contact the sanctuary to learn more about the opportunity.